About Alisandra Photography
Hey friends! My name is Ali, and welcome to my blog!
I am a Wedding Photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. I try to keep this baby as up to date as I can with recent shoots, personal thoughts, and the random, fun little things life brings. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to visit. I really appreciate it. Please make yourself at home and enjoy your time here!
Questions or Comments? ali@alisandraphoto.com
Yesterday I posted all of the getting readies. Phil and Elizabeth were so fun to photograph. The only thing that mattered to them was that by the end of the day, they had better be married. All else was fluff. They said their vows at Dahlgren Chapel on the Georgetown campus [during parent's weekend!] and celebrated at The Dupont Circle Hotel. Check out their engagement session here, and enjoy their wedding day!
Great shot from Sarah!
Dear Chad,
Come Monday, I’ll have been married to you for one year. I’m so blessed to be life partners with you. One year ago, I stood in front of a Manassas manor home and promised to love and honor you until “one of us shall lay the other in the arms of God.” I’m so excited to spend my life with you, learning from you, and growing together!
Happy One Year!
Images © 2010 Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography
Just FYI, I’ll be in New York City for our anniversary and will not be answering emails until WEDNESDAY of next week! Have a fun weekend!
Get ready for this one, readers. It might get emotional. And I have way too many images, but I really had trouble narrowing it down!
Diana is my childhood best friend. We grew up riding together. We had sleep overs and talked about boys. We sang to the Grease soundtrack and Michael Jackson cd’s using her bed as a stage. I helped her paint her room powder pink and baby blue. The other day we talked on the phone for 2 hours. We talked about commitment in relationship and what it looks like. Knowing we’ve not been through a long marriage, but knowing we’re committed. I realized that we’d changed. We were no longer in high school, or middle school for that. I’m so thrilled she met a guy who can complement her spunk and silliness but at the same time meet her at a place of commitment and depth. SO excited for Diana and Stephen’s wedding next year! By the way, HUGE thanks to Cyndi at Salon Emage Day Spa for the make up and hair on Diana. SO beautiful!
We started in Middleburg. FIRST frame. YES.
After Middleburg, we stopped by the barn to say hello to Bittersweet.
Then headed out to the battlefield with Gizmo and Asta.
Check out those shoes. Heck yes.
FAVORITE.
The bling.
Love you guys! I had so much fun with you!
I’ve known Lindsay’s family… ehem. Let me start over. They’ve known me since I was born. Lindsay’s mom taught me when I was in preschool. My dad water skied with her dad and brother. Her dad was my shop teacher in middle school. Since I became old enough to really appreciate the concept of family, I’ve loved watching how this family grows and how they love on each other. It is so rare these days. This was the third year I’ve done family portraits in the fall for the Kelsey’s. Makenzie turned 3 this fall. She has an amazing personality and is so fun to watch. Here are a few Makenzie-isms I picked up:
Love her. Please enjoy this adorable 3 year old and her family!
Abby and Josh are welcoming their little baby boy in November. I shot their wedding a little over a year ago, so I was so excited to do their maternity shoot. We ventured down Ivy Road and found some spots to capture Abby and her boy[s]. This is so wonderful — it is my first friend [who lives close by] to have a baby. I remember their wedding day. I remember when they told us they were pregnant. I remember watching her belly grow [not much else, though, Abby... not fair!]. I’ve enjoyed learning about pregnancy and babies, and I can’t wait to hang out with her little dude! Baby watch starts in just 3 weeks, and it’s going to be epic!!
Chad got home at 4. “Are you ready?” I had my retainer in still… “Give me 10 minutes.” I was trying to get a blog post done, but I put it off until Monday. I packed a suitcase with both my clothes and his [one of the benefits of being married...one bag!] . We hopped into his car and took off toward the coast. “Is she going to say Yes?” I kept asking Chad. And we would discuss why we thought it was probable.
After a delicious meal at Olive Garden with Chad’s family, we came home. Chad got a call at 11pm that night. I heard him say, “Are you ready?” Or “Are you nervous?” It was one of those. I imagine Bobby had some nerves… we fell asleep and waited for 2 pm the next day.
We drove down to the local state park where Bobby and Trish had started their relationship 3 years ago to the day. Bobby, Abby [Trish's sister], and Nate were sitting around the car when we pulled up. “Should we do this?” “I guess so.” And off we went to set up.
It was a beautiful day. A little nippy, some big poofy clouds, but otherwise, beautiful. Abby and I combined forces to set up the table while the guys looked for power for some lights. Once we were finished, it was time to wait. Bobby left to go shower and change. Chad and Nate left to get everyone Subway. Abby and I guarded the pretty table. I think we had the best job because we got to tell all of the beach combers, “There is a proposal tonight.” And we would get really excited reactions.
Soon after the guys left to get Subway, it started to look a little… iffy. Still beautiful, but there was a lack of blue sky. And the wind was a little crazy. When it started to sprinkle, we packed up the boom box and the lights and headed over to the camp ground showers to take cover. In rained. It never stopped raining. Would the plans change?
Little did we know that Bobby and Trish had parked their car and were walking along the beach. After all, this was their anniversary. The guys got back with the food, dropped it off for Bobby and Trish at their table and ran back. We ate subway in our cars, and Trish and Bobby ate theirs in the rain, sitting at a wet table with a wet blanket to keep them warm. They danced to the song they danced to the night they started dating. But then Bobby did something different. He dropped to one knee. And between manual focus and a few clicks, I remember hearing was, “Are you serious?” And through the rain, saw a big smile. On both of their faces.
Shameless photo of my husband. [I love you!!]
I was checking out angles to capture the proposal. Abby is pretending to be Trish.
The one little spot of light…
I am so happy for you guys. Thanks for letting us be a part of this “perfect” plan. I can’t wait to see you guys be MARRIED!!
A few months ago, I posted about a luncheon that I attended. [Click to read about Broken to Beautiful.]
I auctioned off a portrait session with one Fine Art Print and a DVD of images. I heard, as they announced the winners of the 100 some items, that a girl named Ali had won my portrait session. Soon after, she emailed me–she wanted to do an engagement style shoot because her and her husband had opted not to spend significant money on a photographer for their wedding. Ali and Derrick lived in Chesapeake, VA, and wanted a farm-ish feel. We took the portraits at a beautiful equestrian farm, Pam Herman Farm. The owners were SO nice to let us romp around with a camera, cute clothes, and a little yorkie named Sammy. And, a day late, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY you two!!
By the way. This adorable yellow skirt is from the thrift store. She looks like she walked out of a Banana Republic catalog. Ali, can I shop with you?
